FCA appoints new complaints commissioner
The Financial Conduct Authority (FCA), the Prudential Regulation Authority (PRA) and the Bank of England have appointed Amerdeep Somal as the new complaints commissioner.
Somal will replace the current commissioner Antony Townsend on 1 November and she will serve an initial term of three years.
“Independent scrutiny is vital to the transparency and standards of the UK regulatory system,” said Christopher Woolard, interim chief executive of the FCA.
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“We are pleased to see Amerdeep appointed to the role of complaints commissioner and we look forward to working with her.
“We would also like to thank Antony Townsend for his dedication and commitment over the last six years.”
Somal added: “I am delighted to be appointed to this important role.
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“The complaints commissioner plays a critical role – not only in providing people who are unhappy with the financial regulators with recourse to an independent review but also in helping them focus more widely on where they could improve the experience of all their customers.
“I will ensure these important institutions are held accountable and open to rigorous scrutiny.”
The complaints commissioner oversees the final stage of any investigations and complaints into the FCA, PRA and Bank of England. However, the role is independent from the three regulatory bodies.
Last month, the FCA, PRA and the Bank of England launched a joint consultation on the Financial Regulators’ Complaints Scheme.
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